Learn about the Effectiveness of Both Male and Female Contraceptives

Knowing the effectiveness of different types of contraceptives is critical to not just the prevention of unwanted pregnancy but also the contraction of STDs such as AIDS, etc. Take a look at our list of contraceptives and how effective they are to make a better decision about whitch one to use next time you have a sexual encounter.

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Condoms

These are arguably the least expensive and easiest to find contraceptives. Condoms are sheaths of latex or plastic that is worn on an erect penis during sexual intercourse. Of 100 women whose partners use a condom during sexual intercourse, at least 15 are likely to get pregnant if they do not use the condom correctly; at least 2 women will get pregnant if they use the condom correctly.

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Progestin-Only Pills

There are two types of pills that contain both progestin as well as estrogen and those that only have progestin in them. Pills that have only progestinn tend to work by thickening the cervical mucus and thus, preventing ovulation. This pill is commonly used by women who cannot take estrogen, breastfeeding mothers, smokers and women above 35 years of age.

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Birth Control Combination Pill, Patch or Ring

These are more effective, reversible contraceptives. They are said to protect 92 of 100 women who them them regularly, but not always correctly. Of those women who use if perfectly, only one is likely to get pregnant. These pills must be taken each day and at the same time. The patches are switched every week and the rings are changes every month. A combination of contraceptives prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and causing ovulation. They also thicken the cervica mucus to prevent the sperm from finding the egg.

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Implanon

This contraceptive is a thin, small, progestin-only method that works for at least the next three years. It is used after placing a capsule the size of a match under the skin on the upper arm. Just like other forms of female contraceptives, implanon prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus. Of 100 women who insert the implanon correctly, only one can get pregnant. It is as effective as sterilisation.

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Depo Provera Shot

Also known as "the shot", Depo Provera Shot is a progestin-only birth control that in injectable. It does not have estrogen and requires one to visit the doctor only once in every three months. The shot prevents one from remembering to take a daily birth control pill. It is said to be one of the most effective types of contraception with only 3 out of every 1000 women getting pregnant with the right usage. It gives immediate protective if it is taken within the first seven days of period.It does not have estrogen.

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IUD or Intrauterine Device

This is a small, T-shaped contraceptive that is made of flexible plastic. It is inserted into the uterus through the cervix and a string is attached with its ends in the vagina that lets a woman take it out immediately when she wishes to conceive. There are two types of IUDs that are available in the market today namely, the copper ParaGuard that provides reversible sterilization for 12 years and the Mirena, which releases little amount of progestin for five years. Both the IUDs work by killing the sperm that is present in the uterus, thus preventing fertilisation. Less than one out of 100 women is said to get pregnant with an IUD.

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Diaphragm

This contraceptive is shallow and dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim. It fits in the vagina properly and covers the cervix, thereby blocking the sperm from getting into the uterus. To get extra protection, spermicide is put in the bowl of the diaphragm before insertion. 15 out of 100 women are likely to get pregnant with regular, but probably incorrect, usage of a diaphragm before starting a family and about 25 out of 100 women are likely to get pregnant if they have already had a child via vaginal delivery.

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EC or Emergency Contraception

Also known as "the morning after pill", emergency contraception protects a woman from getting pregnant up to 120 hours after having unprotected sex. Even though the pill is named "morning after", it can be taken as soon as one has sex or even least five days later. The pill has progestin that prevents ovulation or fertilisation. Women above the age of 18 can ask for this contraceptive without prescription. The sooner one takes the emergency contraceptive, the better are the chances of pregnancy prevention. If taken within 72 hours of having sexual intercourse, it can reduce the chanches of pregnacny by 85 percent. Emergency contraceptive can be taken by pregnant women also because it does not cause abortion or interrupt with the pregnancy in any way.

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Essure

This is a relatively new form of permanent birth control that does not use an incision. It is 99 percent effective and is done after insertion of a miniature camera device to insert two spring-like coils via the cervix into the fallopian tubes. By the third month, the body would have formed a tissue barrier that does not let the sperm to reach the egg. A confirmation test is done to reveal that the tubes are blocked completely and to allow discontibuation of any other form of contraception.

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Abstinence

Lastly, the only way you can be 100 percent sure that you will not get pregnant or contract an STD is by staying abstinent from sexual intercourse.

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